Bubble Level

ABSTRACT

A bubble type level for determining the orientation of a structure that includes a plurality of differently oriented bubble vials that are secured within the level body in a manner such that, if any one of the bubble vials become broken or otherwise damaged, it can be easily replaced and the level need not be discarded. The bubble type level of the invention also includes a novel connector mechanism that enables the level to be removably interconnected with the structure to be leveled. The level further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced magnets that are connected to the bottom surface of the level and a bulls-eye level that is mounted on the top surface of the level body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to tools used in theconstruction industry. More particularly, the invention concerns aspecially designed bubble level having replaceable bubble vials andincluding a novel connector mechanism for releasably connecting thelevel to the structure to be leveled.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37CRF 1.97 and 1.98

Bubble levels of various designs have been suggested in the past and arewidely used by construction workers to determine the orientation of aparticular structure or surface with respect to a reference axis. Atypical bubble level generally comprises an elongated body that has apair of opposing, generally parallel working surfaces and includes aplurality of openings having bubble vials permanently secured therein.The bubble vials are typically aligned in different directions relativeto the working surfaces and function to indicate the orientation of astructure. For example, one vial may be aligned in a directionperpendicular to the working surfaces, another may be aligned in adirection parallel to the working surfaces and a third may be aligned inan angular direction. Typically, the vial contains a fluid and a bubble,and the user views the position of the bubble within the vial todetermine the position of the tool relative to the working surfaces.

A novel and highly useful level construction is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,802,372 issued to the present inventor. This patent, which isentitled “Removable Laser Base Attachment for Bubble Levels”, describesa bubble level that includes a body, a laser beam generator, and aremovable securement. The body has a flat top surface that the level issecured to and a bottom surface that is flat and parallel to the topsurface. A laser diode mounted in a module emits a visible laser beamupon application of power from a battery that is controlled by a switch.The module, batteries, and switch are mounted in a through bore in thebody. The laser base is removably secured to the bubble level by anymanner appropriate to the shape of the level. In one such securement,the level has a T-shaped cross-section and the body has a complementaryslot into which the level slides. When the level reference surface abutsthe top surface of the laser base, a thumb screw is tightened tofrictionally secure the level in the base.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bubble type levelfor determining the orientation of a structure that includes a pluralityof differently oriented bubble vials that are secured within the levelbody in a manner such that, if any one of the bubble vials becomebroken, or otherwise damaged, it can be easily replaced and the levelneed not be discarded.

Another object of the invention to provide a bubble type level of theafore mentioned character in which the bubble vials are securely held inposition within threaded chambers formed in the level body by easilyremovable threaded cap screws.

Another object of the invention to provide a bubble type level of thecharacter described which includes a novel connector mechanism thatenables the level to be removably interconnected with the structure tobe leveled. In one form of the invention the connector mechanism isprovided in the form of a conventional, self-contained ball-and-springdevice that is threadably connected to the level body proximate one endthereof.

Still another object of the invention to provide a bubble type level ofthe class described that includes a plurality of longitudinally spacedmagnets that are connected to the bottom surface of the level so as topermit the level to be conveniently, removably connected to any ferrousstructure that is being leveled.

Yet another object of the invention to provide a bubble type level ofthe type described in the preceding paragraphs that includes a bulls-eyelevel that is mounted on the top surface of the level body proximate thecenter of the level.

These and other objects of the invention will be realized by the levelconstruction illustrated in the drawings and described in the paragraphsthat follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one form of the leveling device ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 is a right end view of the leveling device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a left end view of the leveling device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the leveling device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the leveling device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational, exploded view partially in cross-sectionof the leveling device of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a greatly enlarged, side elevational view of thespring-ball-screw component of the leveling device of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the right end portionof an alternate form of the leveling device of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 through 6, oneform of the level of the invention for determining the orientation of astructure is there shown and generally designated by the numeral 14.Level 14 here comprises an elongate body 16 having a top surface 18, abottom surface 20 and first and second end portions 22 and 24,respectively. For a purpose presently to be discussed, first end portion22 is provided with a slot 22 a. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, bottomsurface 20 is provided with a longitudinally extending, generally “V”shaped groove 20 a.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 6 of the drawings, body 16 has a pluralityof differently oriented vial chambers 26, 28, 30 and 32. Vial chamber 26has a threaded end portion 26 a and a central axis 26 b that is disposedat an angle of approximately 38 degrees with respect to bottom surface20. Vial chamber 28 has a threaded end portion 28 a and a central axis28 b that is disposed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees withrespect to bottom surface 20. Vial chamber 30 has a threaded end portion30 a and a central axis 30 b that is disposed at an angle ofapproximately 45 degrees with respect to bottom surface 20. Vial chamber32 has a threaded end portion 32 a and a central axis 32 b that isdisposed in a generally parallel relationship with bottom surface 20. Itis to be understood that the angles of the axes of the central axis ofeach of the vial chambers can vary depending upon the end use of theimproved level.

A conventional bubble vial 34 is disposed within vial chamber 26 and isuniquely removably secured there within by a threaded connector that isthreadably receivable within threaded opening 26 a of vial chamber 26.The threaded connector, which is here provided in the form of aconventional cap screw 36 (FIG. 6), is moveable between first and secondpositions to secure the bubble vial 34 within vial chamber 26 (FIG. 1).A conventional bubble vial 36 is disposed within vial chamber 28 and isuniquely removably secured there within by a threaded connector that isthreadably receivable within threaded opening 28 a of vial chamber 28.The threaded connector, which is also here provided in the form of aconventional cap screw (FIGS. 3 and 6), is moveable between first andsecond positions to secure the bubble vial 36 within vial chamber 28(FIG. 1). In similar manner, a conventional bubble vial 38 is disposedwithin vial chamber 30 and is uniquely removably secured there within bya threaded connector that is threadably receivable within threadedopening 30 a of vial chamber 30. Once again, the threaded connector isprovided in the form of a conventional cap screw 37 (FIGS. 3 and 6) thatis moveable between first and second positions to secure the bubble vial38 within vial chamber 30 (FIG. 1).

In like manner, as shown in FIG. 1, a conventional bubble vial 40 isdisposed within vial chamber 32 and is removably secured there within bya conventional cap screw 39 (FIG. 6) which is moveable between first andsecond positions to secure the bubble vial 40 within vial chamber 32.

With the construction thus described, any one of the bubble vials of thelevel can be conveniently removed and replaced by simply removing thethreaded cap screw from the threaded end portion of the vial chamber andthen by removing the bubble vial from its chamber. Unlike the prior artlevels, if a given bubble vial is broken or otherwise damaged, it can beeasily replaced and the level need not be discarded.

Another highly important feature of the present invention resides in theprovision of a connector mechanism for releasably interconnecting body16 with the structure to be leveled. The connector mechanism, which ishere provided in the form of a conventional, self-containedball-and-spring device 42, is threadably connected to body 16 proximatefirst end portion 22. As depicted in FIG. 7, the self-containedball-and-spring device 42 has a threaded shank portion 42 a that, whenthe device is threadably connected to the level body, at least partiallyextends into slot 22 a of the first end portion of the body (FIG. 6).Ball-and-spring device 42 also includes a ball 42 b and a biasing spring42 c that are arranged in the manner illustrated in FIG. 7.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, shank portion 42 a of the ball-and-springdevice 42 includes a nylon patch 45 that functions to prevent the devicefrom accidentally moving within threaded portion 47 of the end portion22 due to vibration.

Self-contained ball-and-spring devices 42, which are suitable for thepresent purpose, are readily commercially available from several sourcesincluding the Carr Lane Manufacturing Co. of St. Louis, Mo.

Turning now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, another important feature of thepresent invention resides in the provision of a bulls-eye level 50 thatis mounted on the top surface 18 of body 16 proximate the center of thelevel. Bulls-eye level 50 is readily commercially available from severalsources including the Johnson Level & Tool Mfg. Co., Inc. of Mequon,Wis.

Referring to FIG. 5, still another important feature of the presentinvention resides in the provision of a plurality of longitudinallyspaced magnets 52 that are connected to the bottom surface 20 of body16. In use, these magnets permit the level to be conveniently, removablyconnected to any ferrous structure that is being leveled. Magnets 52 arereadily commercially available from several sources including AppliedMagnets of Plano, Tex.

Turning now to FIG. 8, an alternate form of connector mechanism forreleasably interconnecting body 16 with the structure to be leveled isthere shown. This alternate form of connector mechanism is provided inthe form of a conventional screw 54 that has a knurled head 54 a andthreaded shank portion 54 b. When the device is threadably connected tothe level body 16 in the manner shown in FIG. 8, threaded shank portion54 b at least partially extends into slot 22 a of the first end portionof body 16.

Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with therequirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will haveno difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individualparts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirementsor conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth inthe following claims.

1. A level for determining the orientation of a structure comprising:(a) a body including a vial chamber having a threaded opening; (b) abubble vial disposed within said vial chamber; and (c) a threadedconnector receivable within said threaded opening of said vial chamberfor movement from a first position to a second position in engagementwith said bubble vial to secure said bubble vial within said vialchamber.
 2. The level as defined in claim 1 in which said threadedconnector comprises a cap screw.
 3. The level as defined in claim
 1. 4.The level as defined in claim 1 further including a connector mechanismconnected to said body for releasably interconnecting said body with thestructure.
 5. The level as defined in claim 3 in which said connectormechanism comprises a self-contained ball-and-spring device.
 6. Thelevel as defined in claim 5 in which said ball-and-spring deviceincludes a shank portion having a nylon patch.
 7. A level fordetermining the orientation of a structure comprising: (a) a body havinga top surface and a bottom surface and including a plurality of vialchambers, each said vial chamber having a threaded opening; (b) a bubblevial disposed within each of said vial chambers of said body; and (c) athreaded connector receivable within said threaded opening of each ofsaid vial chambers for movement between first and second positions tosecure said bubble vials within said vial chambers.
 8. The level asdefined in claim 7 in which at least one of said vial chambers isdisposed at an angle with respect to said top surface of said body. 9.The level as defined in claim 7 in which at least one of said vialchambers is disposed in a parallel relationship with said top surface ofsaid body.
 10. The level as defined in claim 7 further including atleast one magnet connected to said bottom surface of said body.
 12. Thelevel as defined in claim 7 further including a bulls-eye levelconnected to said top surface of said body.
 13. The level as defined inclaim 7 in which said body has first and second end portions, said firstend portion having a slot.
 14. The level as defined in claim 13 furtherincluding a connector mechanism connected to said body proximate saidfirst end portion thereof for releasably interconnecting said body withthe structure.
 15. The level as defined in claim 14 in which saidconnector mechanism comprises a self-contained ball-and-spring device.16. The level as defined in claim 15 in which said ball-and-springdevice includes a shank portion extending into said slot of said firstend portion of said body.
 17. The level as defined in claim 15 in whichsaid ball-and-spring device includes a shank portion having a nylonpatch.
 18. A level for determining the orientation of a structurecomprising: (a) a body having a top surface, a bottom surface and firstand second end portions, said first end portion having a slot, said bodyhaving a plurality of vial chambers, each said vial chamber having athreaded opening; (b) a bubble vial disposed within each of said vialchambers of said body; (c) a threaded connector receivable within saidthreaded opening of each of said vial chambers for movement betweenfirst and second positions to secure said bubble vials within said vialchambers; (d) a connector mechanism connected to said body proximatesaid first end portion thereof for releasably interconnecting said bodywith the structure, said connector mechanism comprising a self-containedball-and-spring device having a shank portion at least partiallyextending into said slot of said first end portion of said body; and (e)at least one magnet connected to said bottom surface of said body. 19.The level as defined in claim 18 further including a bulls-eye levelconnected to said top surface of said body.
 20. The level as defined inclaim 18 in which said shank portion of said ball-and-spring deviceincludes a nylon patch.